Eggleston and Shakespear to the fore

Luke Eggleston (LEAP Academy Golf Studio) and Andy Shakespear (Warren) both shot respective rounds of 66 to share the lead after round one of the East Region Championship at Bishop’s Stortford.

Eggleston was one of the early starters and wasted little time in making his mark on the third Order of Merit tournament of the season. He fired five birdies and an eagle in surging to five-under-par.

Shakespear recovered from a poor start to sign off with a fast finish, birdieing the final three holes to join Eggleston at the top.

The duo will head out as the final pairing off on day two at 1.40pm, but they will have their work cut out to fend off a classy chasing pack.

David Salisbury (Three Rivers Golf and Country Club) and former European Tour winner Mark Davis (Thorndon Park) are hot on the leaders’ heels after both shooting 67.

Next, and only a further stroke behind at three-under, is Order of Merit race leader James Ruebotham (Welwyn Garden), alongside James Watts (Kingsway Golf Centre) and Andy Pestell (Chelmsford).

Also in touch at two-under are the 2017 winner of this event, Rob Coles (Maylands Golf and Country Club) and last year’s joint runner-up Jason Levermore (Little Channels Golf Centre).

It promises to be a thrilling day’s golf at the Hertfordshire venue, which has been produced in fabulous condition.